The Energy Events Centre, designed by Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Team Architecture, was one of five winners in the Public Architecture category. The judges praised the complex for its “respectful treatment of a sensitive site.”

The Events Centre also took out a Resene Colour Award.

Events & Venues Rotorua General Manager, Peter McLeod, said the awards reaffirm what customers of the centre had been saying since the complex opened its doors for business in March last year.

“Whether it’s for a conference, trade show, sports event or concert, event attendees are invariably blown away by the impressive design of the building, its lakeside setting, and its sensitively integrated cultural design elements. But just as important, they experience a facility that optimises practicality and flexibility, and this resulted in the Energy Events Centre’s reputation as one of the pre-eminent event facilities in the country.

“It’s appropriate therefore that the creative work of Murali Bhaskar and his firm’s team of architects be acknowledged by these awards.”

The awards programme is organised and run on an annual basis by the New Zealand Institute of Architects and supported by sponsor Resene.

Awards’ judging panel convener Jorgen Frandsen, said standards and numbers of entries had been high, with over 60 projects entered and 33 shortlisted. 

As well as visiting all shortlisted properties, the judges met with the architects and clients. The buildings were judged against a series of key criteria, including “their contribution to the advancement of architecture as a discipline, and enhancement of the human spirit”.

Mr Frandsen was joined on the jury by architects Dennis Pocock (Tauranga), John Sexton (Hamilton) and lay juror, academic Tony Richardson (Hamilton).